Residents are again being warned about fraudsters claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The warning comes in advance of the London Trading Standards week, when the council’s team as well as the National Trading Standards Scams Team will be advising consumers on how they can protect themselves and others from scams.

The teams will be in the Glades shopping centre in Bromley on Tuesday September 11 from 10am to 3pm to answer questions and give specialist advice.

Cllr Kate Lymer, s SCAMbassador and executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, said: “However plausible the person may sound, whether you are approached in person, by phone or by e-mail, be extremely wary of anyone asking for money or your personal details.

“Do not be pressured in agreeing anything and consider very carefully whether what you are being told is genuine as often these people are highly professional in their approach.”

The most recent warning comes following recent examples of residents being targeted by fraudsters, who contact them claiming to be from HMRC.

In the phone call, they are tricking people into paying bogus debts and taxes.

In many cases they ask for payment in iTunes gift card voucher codes.

There has also been a recent rise in calls to trading standards about bogus builders, especially for roof repairs.

Residents seeking to protect themselves from fraudsters are advised to

·Hang up the phone if they are feeling pressured

·Guard personal information by not giving it away to cold callers, especially on the phone or at the doorstep

·Ignore cold callers

·Report concerns - Bromley’s residents can contact the council’s trading standards rapid response team on 07903 852 090 if they or someone they know are being targeted by a rogue trader or scammer.